Inhibitors and substrates of thrombin

ABSTRACT

Peptides which act as inhibitors or substrates of thrombin are provided. The peptides of the invention have the general structural formula:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of 08/459,394 filed Jun. 2, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,979, (allowed), which is a continuation of 08/317,837 filed Oct. 4, 1994 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,338 on Jul. 15, 1997,) which is a continuation of 08/158,046 filed Nov. 24, 1993 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of 07/866,178 filed Sep. 8, 1992 (now abandoned). This application claims foreign priority benefits under Title 35, Unites States Code, Section 119, to Great Britain patent application number 9024129.0 filed Nov. 6, 1990. Each of these applications is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to thrombin inhibitors and substrates.

2. Description of the Related Art

Thrombin, the last enzyme in the coagulation system, cleaves soluble fibrinogen to fibrin, which is then crosslinked and forms an insoluble gel forming the matrix for a thrombus. When a vessel is damaged, the above process is necessary to stop bleeding. Under normal circumstances there is no measurable amount of thrombin present in plasma. Increase of the thrombin concentration can result in formation of clots, which can lead to thromboembolic disease, one of the most common serious medical problems of our time.

Thrombin contributes to haemostatic control by means of several biological reactions. In addition to its primary function, the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thrombin activates Factor XIII, which is responsible for the crosslinking of fibrin. Thrombin also acts by means of a positive feedback mechanism involving the activation of Factors V and VIII, which both are necessary for its own formation from prothrombin. Thrombin has another essential role: its binding to platelets initiates platelet release and aggregation which is responsible for primary haemostasis.

Fibrinolysis is the process which causes an enzymatic dissolution of fibrinogen and fibrin clots. Plasma contains a protein, plasminogen, which under the influence of various activators is converted to plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme, the activity of which resembles that of fibrin. Plasmin breaks down fibrin to fibrin degradation products.

Under normal conditions, the fibrinolysis system is in balance with the coagulation system. Small thrombi formed in the blood stream can be dissolved enzymatically and the circulation through the vessels can be restored by the activation of the fibrinolytic system in the body. If the fibrinolytic activity is too high, it may cause or prolong bleeding and if it is too low compared to the activity of the coagulation system, there is a risk of thrombosis.

The reactions of thrombin are further controlled by natural inhibitors in plasma. The most important of these are antithrombin III and heparin. These two compounds have been isolated and are therapeutically and prophylactically used in conditions where there is an imbalance in the haemostatic mechanisms with risk for prothrombin activation.

Mainly two types of therapeutic agents are used for the prevention of thrombosis. The heparins act by accelerating the inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin III. Coumarin derivatives, the oral anticoagulants, e.g. Warfarin, prevent the generation of thrombin by blocking the post-translational vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylation in the synthesis of prothrombin. Neither Heparin nor Warfarin are ideal. Heparin must be given parenterally and as it functions as a cofactor to antithrombin III it has no effect without this inhibitor. The effect of Warfarin develops very slowly and individual doses must be adjusted by frequent tests. None of these anticoagulants is specific for thrombin, they also inhibit other serine proteases and both of them may cause bleeding if the doses are not correctly balanced.

Thus, direct acting, specific thrombin inhibitors, having oral activity would be useful alternatives to the above anticoagulants. Much research in this area has resulted in the synthesis of different kinds of inhibitors of thrombin.

By imitating amino acid sequences of fibrinogen, the important natural substrate of thrombin, several good short peptide substrates for thrombin have been synthesized. The very first developed sequence with affinity for the active site of thrombin was Phe—Val—Arg [1] which mimics the fibrinogensequence preceding the bond split by thrombin. This sequence has later been improved to give D—Phe—Pro—Arg and D—Phe—Pip—Arg which have been used in chromogenic substrates, e.g. D—Phe—Pro—Arg—pNA and D—Phe—Pip—Arg—pNA [1] and in inhibitors of thrombin, e.g. the peptide aldehyde D—Phe—Pro—Arg—H [2], the irreversible inhibitor D—Phe—Pro—Arg—CH₂Cl [3], inhibitors with a ketomethylene bond e.g. D—Phe—Pro—Arg—k—Gly—piperidide [4] and in the recently synthesized peptide boronic acid inhibitors e.g. Z—D—Phe—Pro—boroArg [5] and the nitrile: Boc—D—Phe—Pro—ArgCN [6].

Thus, D—Phe—Pro—Arg has been considered the best sequence for about 15 years, and it has been shown to have very good affinity for the active site of thrombin, in substrates (Km around 10⁻⁶M) as well as in inhibitors (Ki 10⁻⁷M to 10⁻⁹M).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have now found that by exchanging Phe, in the D—Phe—Pro—Arg sequence, for some unnatural, aromatic amino acids, with a specified structure, and by using these new sequences to construct novel substrates and inhibitors we obtained significantly improved substrate and inhibitor properties. The new substrates show better kinetic constants (Km and kcat) and the inhibitors better inhibition constant (Ki).

Reduction of blood pressure is a side effect observed in many of the previous thrombin inhibitors containing Arg or Arg analogues like Gpa and Apa [7]. This side effect which in some compounds can be disturbingly serious is believed to depend on the positively charged guanidino or amidino group of the side chain of Arg or its analogues. Surprisingly, this side effect of inhibitors in the present application is markedly reduced even when the inhibitors have an Arg or Arg analogue.

We have also surprisingly found that by changing the side chain to a non-basic alkyl or alkylaryl group of a certain size, the affinity for thrombin is still very good although the affinity for other serine proteases is greatly reduced, i.e. these inhibitors/substrates are more specific for thrombin than corresponding compounds containing Arg. With this non-basic side chain the blood pressure lowering side effect is greatly reduced.

The present invention provides thrombin inhibitors and substrates derived from D—Phe—Pro—Arg or its analogues wherein Phe is substituted by

and Arg may be substituted by

Suitably, the inhibitors/substrates are of formula I, in which

X=H, CH₃ or an N-protecting group, e.g. Ac, Bz, Cbz, Boc;

Y=[CH₂]_(n)—Q,

where Q=H, amino, amidino, imidazole, guanidino or isothioureido and n=1-5, preferably 3-5, or C₃-C₉ alkyl and C₅-C₁₀ aryl or alkylaryl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from hydroxy and C₁-C₄ alkoxy;

R₁=H, OH, CH₂Cl, CH₂—CH₂—CO—pip, CF₂—CF₂—CO—pip,

CH₂—CH₂—CO—Pro—NHEt, CF₂—CF₂—CO—Pro—NHEt or a chromophoric group e.g. pNA, MCA,

R₂ and R₃ may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of OH, OR₆ and NR₆R₇, or R₂ and R₃ taken together represent the residue of a diol; where R₆ and R₇, which may be the same or different, are C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, phenyl or C₆-C₁₀ arylalkyl,

R₄ and R₅ may be the same or different and are selected from R₂, R₃, Gly—pip, Ala—pip or Gly—Pro—NHEt;

Ar₁ and Ar₂ may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of phenyl, thienyl, pyridyl, naphthyl, thionaphthyl, indolyl and saturated groups corresponding to these, optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁-C₃ alkyl and C₁-C₃ alkoxy,

L₁ and L₂ may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of CH₂, CH₂—CH₂, O—CH₂, S—CH₂,

Ar—L taken together may mean H, diphenyl-methyl, fluorenyl or saturated groups corresponding to these, but one of the Ar—L cannot be H when the other Ar—L means H or benzyl;

or its C₁-C₃ alkyl substituted derivatives, where R₈═CH₂, CH₂—CH₂, S—CH₂, S—C(CH₃)₂ or CH₂—CH₂—CH₂.

Preferably the Phe substitute is Dpa, Nal or Dba and preferable Arg substitute includes Irg, Gpa, Apa and non-basic amino acids such as Pgl, Mbg, Chg.

Examples of compounds which may be preferably used in the invention include:

Ac—D—βNal—Pro—boroArg pinanediol ester

Z—D—Dpa—Pro—boroIrg pinanediol ester

Z—D—Dpa—Pro—boroPgl pinacol ester

Ac—D—βNal—Pro—boroMbg pinanediol ester

CH₃—D—Dpa—Pro—Arg—H

Boc—D—Dpa—Pro—Gpa—H

CH₃—D—Dpa—Thi—Mbg—H

H—D—Dpa—Pro—Arg—k—Gly—pip

Z—D—Dpa—Pro—Arg—CH₂Cl

Boc—D—Dpa—Pro—ArgCN

H—Dpa—Pro—Arg^(P) (OPh)₂

H—D—βNal—Pro—Pgl^(P) (OPh)—Gly—pip

H—D—Dpa—Pip—Arg—pNA

H—D—βNal—Pro—Chg—pNA

Further examples of compounds which may be preferably used in the invention are those listed in Examples 10 to 22 below.

Inhibition data for some of the new compounds are shown in Tables 1-7. The advantages of replacing Phe by amino acids according to the invention are clearly shown in the Ki values, which are generally 3 to 10 times better for the new compounds, as well as in the prolongation of the thrombin time. The importance of the D-form of the N-terminal amino acid is also evident from Table 1. The drastic reduction of the blood pressure lowering side-effect with compounds according to the invention is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 1 In-vitroassays Ki(μM) TT(μM) APTT(μM) D-Phe-Pro-Gpa-k--Gly-Pip 1.3 4.9 4 D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 0.6 45.0 6 D-Dpa-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 0.2 0.65 8.0 7 L,Dpa-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 1.7 7.5 100.0 8 D-Fgl-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 50.0 9 D,L-α-Nal-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 13.5 14 D,L-β-Nal-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 11.6 90.0 54 D-β-Nal-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 2.87 5.3 45.0

TABLE 2 In-vitroassay Blood pressure APTT % of Ki(μM) TT(μM)* (μM) normal Boc-D-Phe-Pro-Arg-H 0.1 5  40** Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg-H 0.03 3 100** Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Gpa-H 0.03 3 nd 33 Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl-H 4.66 86.0 nd 48 Z-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl-H 0.071 nd 53 Boc-D-Phe-Pro-His-H 0.726 3.1 34.0 100*** *The concentration needed to double the plasma thrombin time **4 mg/Kg given i.v. to anaesthetized cats ***1 mg/Kg given i.v. bolus to anaesthetized New Zealand white rabbits, 2 per point ND = Not determined.

TABLE 3 Ki (uM) Boc-D-Phe-Pro--ArgCN 0.8 Boc-D,L-Dpa-ArgCN- 0.05

TABLE 4 In-vitroassay Ki(μM) TT(μM) 15 Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 59.0 16 D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 0.223 17 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 8.46 18 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 15.1 19 Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ >31.0 20 D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.109 21 D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ >98.0 23 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.48 32 H-D-Dpa-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.0048 9.1 40 H-D-Phe-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.0188

TABLE 5 In-vitroassays Ki(pM)* TT(μM) APTT(μM) 12 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 368.0 0.84 1.19 26 Z-D-β-Nal-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 325.0 0.15 0.216 36 Z-D-Fgl-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 1750.0 0.643 1.23 37 AC-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 2320.0 0.156 38 Z-L-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 4180.0 0.26 0.239 46 Z-D-Cha-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 1490.0 0.113 0.123 *Inhibitor Pre-Incubated for 30 min with Thrombin.

TABLE 6 In-vitroassays Ki(nM) TT(μM) APTT(μM) 22 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMbg-OPin 7.0 0.56 4.11 41 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroPhe-OPinac 12.8 0.329 2.52 10 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroAcet-OPinac 25.0 3.4 18.2 11 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroPgl-OPinac 19.0 2.0 2.34 43 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroOct-OPinac 22.5 3.86 51 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroMpg-OPin 3.4 0.629 1.96 59 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMbg-OPin 7.43 1.12 4.0

TABLE 7 In-vitroassay Km(μM) H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg-pNA 10.0 34 H-D-β-Nal-Pip-Arg-pNA 6.9 35 H-D,L-Dpa-Pip-Arg-pNA 9.1

Those compounds of the invention which are thrombin inhibitors have anti-thrombogenic properties and may be employed for indications when an anti-thrombogenic agent is indicated. Generally, these compounds may be administered orally or parenterally to a host to obtain an anti-thrombogenic effect. In the case of larger mammals such as humans, the compounds may be administered alone or in combination with pharmaceutical carrier or diluent at a dose of from 0.02 to 15 mg/Kg of body weight and preferably 1-10 mg/Kg to obtain the anti-thrombogenic effect, and may be given as single dose or in divided doses or as a sustained release formulation. When an extracorporeal blood loop is to be established for a patient, 0.1-1 mg/Kg may be administered intravenously. For use with whole blood from 1-10 mg per liter may be provided to prevent coagulation. Pharmaceutical diluents are well known and include sugars, starches and water which may be used to make tablets, capsules, injectable solutions and the like. The compounds of the invention may be added to blood for the purpose of preventing coagulation of the blood in blood collecting or distribution containers, tubing or implantable apparatus which comes in contact with blood.

The advantages of the compounds of the invention include oral activity, rapid onset of activity and low toxicity. In addition, these compounds may have special utility in the treatment of individuals who are hypersensitive to compounds such as heparin.

In the following examples, the symbols have the following meanings:

Aa = amino acid Ac = acetyl Boc = t-butyloxycarbonyl Bu = butyl Bzl = benzyl DCC = dicyclohexylcarbodiimide DIEA = diisopropylethylamine DMAP = 4-dimethylaminopyridine EtOAc = ethyl acetate EtOH = ethylalcohol HOSu = N-hydroxy succinimide MCA = 4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide MeOH = methylalcohol Mtr = 4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylbenzenesulphonyl NMR = nuclear magnetic resonance NP = p-nitrophenyl PinOH = pinanediol PfpOH = pentafluorophenol pip = piperidide pNA = p-nitroanilide TLC = thin layer chromatography THF = tetrahydrofuran TEA = triethylamine WSC = water soluble carbodiimide Z = Cbz = benzyloxycarbonyl Apa = amidinophenylalanine Chg = cyclohexylglycine Dpa = 3,3-diphenylalanine Gpa = guanidinophenylalanine Irg = isothiouronium analogue of Arg ArgCN = Arg, where COOH is replaced by CN Mbg = 2-(2-methylbutyl) glycine Nal = naphthylalanine Pgl = pentylglycine Thi = thiazolidinecarboxylic acid boroAa = boronic acid analogue of Aa Aa^(P)= phosphonic acid analogue of Aa -k- = amide bond replaced by CO_CH₂

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the preparation of the compounds in this invention.

The synthesis of some of the different inhibitor types are outlines in Schemes 1 to 8 and the detailed descriptions are given in the examples below.

HPLC

The following conditions were adopted for the analysis of most of the synthetic compounds on reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC): column; SuperPac Pep-S (4×250 mm), eluant; A=water containing 0.1% TFA, B=acetonitrile containing 0.1% TFA, gradient; 50% to 90% B in A in 25 min, flow rate; 1.0 ml/min, detection; UV absorbance at 210 nm.

TLC

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on the following compounds using precoated silica plates (Merck, F254) in the following systems: A, Chloroform-ethyl acetate (2:1); B, chloroform-methanol-acetic acid (20:4:1); C, n-butanol-acetic acid-ethyl acetate-water (1:1:1:1); D, chloroform-methanol (9:1); E, pyridin-ethyl acetate-acetic acid-water (5:5:1:3); F, chloroform-methanol-ammonia (1M) (60:35:5). The spots were visualized by ninhydrin and chlorine-dicarboxidine spray reagents (C. M. Swahn and J. Gyllander, J. Chromatogr. (1979) 170, 292:

NMR spectra

Magnetic resonance spectra were recorded at 250 MHz using a Bruker instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION EXAMPLES 1. Synthesis of Dpa, Z—Boc—Dpa—Pro and Z—Dpa—Pro—Arg (Cf. Scheme 1)

(a) DL—Dpa.HCl

To a solution of potassium tertiary butoxide (6.75 g, 0.06 mol) in tertiary butanol (350 ml) was added, at room temperature under argon, ethyl acetamido cyanoaetate (10 g, 0.059 mol). When the solution had become clear bromodiphenyl methane (14.55 g, 0.059 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 24h, then evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid residue was treated with ethyl acetate (500 ml) and water (175 ml). The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give yellow crystals. The crystals were washed repeatedly with ether and dried to give ethyl 2-diphenylmethylacetamido cyanoacetate (11.61 g, 58%, m.p. 181-185° C.). The ester (11.61 g, 34.4 mol) was mixed with hydrochloric acid (20%) and refluxed for 30h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and the crystals were collected, washed (ether), and dried to give HCl.D,L—Dpa (7.82 g, 81.8%).

(b) Z—DL—Dpa

To a solution of D,L—Dpa.HCl (0.56 g, 0.0021 mol) in NaOH (2N, 5 ml), cooled to 0° C. and vigorously stirred was added, dropwise, benzyl chloroformate (0.39 g, 0.33 ml, 0.0023 mol). The reaction mixture was kept at pH10 and at 5° C. to 10° C. The solution was warmed to room temperature and stirred vigorously for 1h. The solution was washed with ether (4 times) and acidified to pH3 with HCl (5N). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic phase dried and concentrated to give Z—DL—Dpa (0.73 g, 97%, m.p. 214-217° C.).

(c) Z—D,L—Dpa—ONSu

To a stirred solution of Z—D,L—Dpa (1.88 g, 0.005 mol) and N-hydroxy succinimide (0.575 g, 0.005 mol) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane (30 ml) at 0° C. was added dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (1.03 g, 0.005 mol). The mixture was maintained at 0° C. for 4h. The suspension was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness to give an oil which was triturated with ether and filtered to give Z—D,L—Dpa—ONSu (2.15 g, 91%, m.p. 139-142° C.).

(d) Z-D-Dpa-Pro and Z-L-Dpa-Pro

To a solution of proline (0.78 g, 0.0068 mol) and NaHCO₃ (0.57 g, 0.0068 mol) in water (8 ml) was added a solution of Z-D,L-Dpa-ONSu (2.15 g, 0.0045 mol) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (15 ml). After 2 h the solvent was removed under reduced pressureand water (5 ml) was added. The solution was acidified (conc. HCl) to pH2 to give white crystals (1.98 g, m.p. 113-117° C.). Fractional recrystallisation grom EtOAc gave as the first crop one disatereomer as a solid (0.7 g, m.p. 180-183° C., FAB MS:M⁺473; ¹H nmr: 7.26 (15 H, m, 3×Ph), 5.66 (1 H, d, CH), 5.23 (1 H, m, CH), 4.40 (1 H, d, CH), 2.03 (2 H, s, CH₂), 2.20 (4 H, m, 2×CH₂); ¹³C nmr:172.19 (CO), 156.1 (CO), 139.17 (CO), 127-128 (Ph), 66.88 (CH₂), 59.48 (CH), 55.58 (CH), 24.15 (CH₂). Further crystallisation from the mother liquor gave as a second crop a mixture of diastereomers (0.43 g, m.p. 126-130° C.). Addition of petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80° C.) gave the other isomer (0.54 g, m.p. 128-131° C.), FAB MS:M⁺473; H nmr: 7.29 (15 H, m, 3Ph), 5.55 (1 H, d, CH), 5.23 (1 H, m, CH), 4.47 (1 H, d, CH), 2.04 (2 H, s, CH₂), 1.20-2.20 (4 H, m, 2 CH₂); ¹³C:172.77 (CO), 156.13 (CO), 139.48 (CO), 126.99-128.72 (Ph), 66.90 (CH₂), 59.62 (CH), 55.48 (CH), 53.54 (CH), 47.44 (CH₂), 27.94 (CH₂), 24.58 (CH₂).

(e) Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)OPh

To a solution of Z-D-Dpa-Pro-OH (0.472 g, 1 mmol) and HOSu (0.115 g, 1 mmol) in dimethoxyethane (20 ml) was added DCC (0.206 g, 1 mmol) with cooling over an ice water bath, the solution was then stirred at r.t. for 3 h, the DCU formed was filtered off and the solution was concentrated to dryness to give an oil (0.57 g). To a solution of H-Arg(Mtr)-OH (0.42 g, 1.1 mmol) and Et₃N (0.12 g, 1.1 mmol) in DMF (25 ml) was added a solution of Z-Dpa-Pro-OSu (0.57 g) in dimethoxyethane (15 ml) with cooling. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in H₂O (20 ml) and MeOH (10 ml). The solution was acidified to pH2 and the MeOH was removed under reduced pressure. The solid formed was filtered off and dried to give Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)OH (0.766 g, 91%). The structure of the compound was confirmed by ¹H NMR.

Fg1 and Na1 and their corresponding di- and tripeptides were synthesized in a manner analogous to the above procedures.

2. Synthesis of Peptide Aminophosphonic Acid Inhibitors (Cf. Scheme 3)

(a) Diphenyl 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)aminopentanephosphonate

A mixture of triphenyl phosphite (9.3 g, 30 mmol), n-hexanal (4.50 g, 45 mmol), benzylcarbamate (4.53 g, 30 mmol), glacial acetic acid (5 ml) was stirred for 45 min. The mixture was then heated at 80-85° C. for 1 h and volatile by-products were removed in vacuo with heating and boiling water bath. The oily residue was dissolved in methanol (40 ml) and left for cyrstallization at −10° C. to give 7.28 g, m.p. 70-72° C., 52% yield. The structure was confirmed by proton NMR.

(b) Diphenyl 1-aminopentanephosphonate

Diphenyl-1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)aminopentanephosphonate (0.93 g, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml) and acetic acid (0.2 ml) was added. Then 10% palladium on charcoal (100 mg) was added and the mixture was hydrogenated for 4 h. The catalyst was filtered off, washed with ethanol (5×3 ml). After removal of the solvent an oil was obtained. The oil was washed with water to remove acetic acid and dissolved in chloroform, dried (MgSO₄), concentrated to dryness to give oily product, 0.45 g, 68% yield. The structure was confirmed by proton NMR and MS.

(c) Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂

Z-D-Dpa-Pro-OH (0.11 g, 0.25 mmol) was dissolved in dry chloroform (2 ml) containing Et₃N (0.035 ml) and cooled to −5° C. Ethyl chloroformate (0.026 ml, 0.275 mmol) was added and the mixture kept at −5° C. for 30 min. A solution of diphenyl 1-aminopentanephosphonate (83 mg, 0.25 mmol) in dry chloroform (2 ml) containing Et₃N (0.025 g, 0.25 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at r.t. for 12 h. Solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting oil was chromatographed (CHCl₃ then 2% MeOH in CHCl₃) to give 123 mg as crystals, 63% yield. The structure was confirmed by proton and ³¹P NMR.

(d) H-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂

Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂ (50 mg, 0.063 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (5 ml) and acetic acid (0.01 ml) was added. 10% Pd/C (25 mg) was added and the mixture was hydrogenated at r.t. for 3 h. The catalyst was filtered off and ethanol removed in vacuo. The resulting oil was treated with water (5 ml) and chloroform (20 ml). The chloroform phase was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to dryness to give crystals, 41 mg, 91% yield. The structure was confirmed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR.

(e) H-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OH)₂

Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂ (100 mg, 0.127 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (10 ml) and acetic acid (0.1 ml) was added. Then 10% Pd/C (50 mg) was added and the mixture was hydrogenated at r.t. for 3 h. The catalyst was filtered off, PtO₂ (100 mg) was added and the mixture was hydrogenated at r.t. for 4 h. The catalyst was filtered off, solvent was removed and the residue was treated with 20 ml of water and chloroform (60 ml). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), concentrated to dryness to give 67 mg as cyrstals, 92% as overall yield. The structure was confirmed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR.

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂

This compound was synthesized by the above procedure in 73% yield. The structure was confirmed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR.

H-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OPh)₂

The compound was synthesized by the above procedure in 90% yield. The structure was confirmed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR.

H-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P) (OH)₂

The compound was synthesized by the above procedure in 89% overall yield. The structure was confirmed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR.

(f) Diphenyl 1-(N-allyl)amino-4-Pyridylmethyl-phosphonate

To a solution of 4-pyridinecarboxyaldehyde (1.01 g,10 mmol) and allylamine (0.61 g,10 mmol) in ether (30 ml) was added anhydrous sodium carbonate (2.76 g). The solution was stirred at r.t. overnight, then sodium carbonate was filtered off. To the reaction mixture, diphenylphosphite (2.34 g,10 mmol) and triethylamine (1.01 g,10 mmol) were added with cooling over an ice-water bath. It was stirred at r.t. overnight. After removal of the solvent an oily residue was obtained which was chromatographed (1:1 Petroleum ether/ethyl acetate) to give 2.85 g (65%) as an oil.

(g) Diphenyl 1-(N-allyl)amino-4-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)butyl-phospohonate

4-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)amino-butylaldehyde diethyl acetal (2.91 g,10 mmol) was dissolved in acetone (20 ml) in the presence of 1N hydrogen chloride (1 ml) and PPTS (150 mg). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 h. The solvent was removed and the residue was dissolved in chloroform and dried (MgSO₄). After removal of MgSO₄ the solution was stirred and allylamine (0.61 g,10 mmol) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (2.76 g) were added. The reaction suspension was stirred at r.t. overnight. Then sodium carbonate was filtered off. To the solution obtained, diphenylphosphite (2.34 g,10 mmol) and the triethylamine (1.01 g,10 mmol) were added. It was stirred at r.t. for 2 days. The residue obtained after evaporation was chromatographed on silica gel (1:1 Petroleum/ethyl acetate) to give 200 mg as a yellow waxy solid (5%).

(h) Diphenyl 1-amino-4-pyridyl-methyl-phosphonate

The N-allyl protected compound (1.0 g,2.3 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (25 ml). To solution was added 10% Pd/C (300 mg) and it was refluxed for 20 hours. The reaction was followed by HPLC, retention time: 10.0 min for the product and 12.0 min for the starting material. After removal of the solvent the product was obtained by chromatography, 0.51 g (56%) as a yellow oil.

The following tripeptides were synthesized according to Scheme 5:

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Cpg^(P)(OPh)₂:0.36 g(67%)

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Epg^(P)(OPh)₂:0.31 g(87%)

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pyg^(P)(OPh)₂:0.41 g(35%)

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Dmg^(P)(OPh)₂:0.25 g(70%)

Z-D-B-Nal-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂:54 mg(32%)

H-D-Phe-Pro-Epg^(P)(OPh)₂:126 mg(71%)

H-D-Phe-Pro-Dmg^(P)(OPh)₂:85 mg(52%).

Abbreviations:

Mpg=methoxypropylgylcine

Cpg=4-cyanophenylglycine

Epg=2-ethylpropylglycine

Pyg=4-pyridylglycine

Dmg=3,3-dimethylpropylglycine

Nal=naphtylalanine

PPTS=Pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate

3. Synthesis of Peptide Aminoboronic Acid Inhibitors

(a) (+)-Pinanediol 4-bromo-R-1-aminobutane boronate hydrochloride

The title compound was prepared as described by D. S. Matteson et al (1984) in Organometallics, 3, 1284-1288 and in European patent appl. 293881A2.

(b) Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Irg-OPin.HCl

To a solution of Z-D-Dpa-Pro-OH (236 mg, 0.5 mmol) in THF (5 ml) in the presence of triethylamine (70 μl, 0.5 mmol) was added isobutyl chloroformate (65 μl, 0.5 mol) at −15° C. and the solution was stirred at −13° C. for 13 min. After the addition of (+)-pinanediol 4-bromo-R-1-aminobutaneboronate hydrochloride (183 mg, 0.5 mmol) in CHCl₃ (3 ml) followed by that of Et₃N (70 μl, 0.5 mmol), the reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 h, and then below 10° C. for 2 h. THF was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 ml), which was washed with 1% NaHCO₃, water, 0.2N HCl and water, and then dried over Na₂SO₄. Removal of solvent gave an oily product quantitatively. HPLC analysis showed one major peak at the retention time of 22.8 min along with several minor components.

To solution of the above compound (2/5th of total amount synthesized, 0.2 mmol) in ethanol (1 ml) was added thiourea (61 mg, 0.8 mmol) under an atmosphere of argon at room temperature. After stirring for 4 days, ethyl acetate (70 ml) was added to the reaction mixture, which was washed with 1% NaHCO₃, water, 0.2N HCl and then water, and dried over Na₂SO₄. The residue obtained by removing the solvent was treated with n-hexane to get the product as a powder. Reprecipiation from ethyl acetate with 2:1 mixture of ethyl ether and n-hexane gave a product (98.9 mg, 60.6%, two step overall). Retention time on RP-HPLC analysis was 13.5 min under the conditions described at the general procedure. ¹H NMR analysis in deuterated chloroform gave a complex pattern because of the existence of proline residue in the molecule, however, the typical signals corresponding to pinanediol were observed as proper ratios.

4. Z-D-Phe-Pro-boroMbg-OPin (Cf. Scheme 4)

A Solution of pinanediol (dichloromethyl)boronate (1 ml, 1.2 g, 4.6 mmol) in THF (7 ml) was placed in a septum fitted flask (100 ml), and 1,1-dimethylpropane magnesium chloride (4.6 ml, 4.6 mmol) added dropwise from a dry syringe at 0° C.

The reaction mixture was left stirring under nitrogen at room temperature. After 7 hours TLC showed mainly one spot [Rf=0.82, chloroform:pet.ether (1:1)]. The solvent was removed and the residue dissolved in ether (50 ml), washed with water (2×10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and filtered.

The ether was removed and the crude product purified on a column of silica gel, eluted with hexane and 10% of chloroform to give the α-chloroboronic ester as a pale yellow oil (0.55 g, 40% yield).

The above compound (0.55 g, 1.8 mmol) in THF (5 ml) was added via a double ended needle at −78° C. to a solution of lithiumbis(trimethyl-silyl)amide (1.8 ml, 1.8 mmol) in THF (5 ml) under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was kept overnight at 20° C. then the solvent was removed. The crude product was dissolved in petroleum ether (40-60° C.) (25 ml) to precipiate out the inorganic salt (LiCl). The reaction mixture was filtered, cooled to −78° C. and dry ethereal HCl, 1M (3 equiv, 5.4 ml, 5.4 mmol) added. The flask was kept in a fridge overnight. Next morning, the reaction mixture was filtered to isolate the hydrochloride (0.41 g, 1.29 mmol, 72% yield)as a white solid.

Z-D-Phe-Pro-OH (0.45 g, 1.1 mmol) was dissolved in THF (7 ml) and the equivalent of N-methylmorpholine (0.11 g, 1.1 mmol) added. The solution was cooled to −20° C. and one equivalent of isobutylchloroformate (0.149 g, 1.1 mmol) added dropwise. After 10 min., a solution of the above aminohydrochloride (0.348 g, 1.1 mmol) dissolved in THF (7 ml) was transferred under nitrogen, and triethylamine (0.11 g, 1.1 mmol) added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred for one hour at −20° C., followed by 2 h at room temperature. Insoluble material was removed by filtration, then the solvent removed by evaporation, and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 ml). The organic layer was washed with 0.2N hydrochloric acid (10 ml), 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate, saturated solution of sodium chloride and water. The organic phase was then dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated to give a white solid which was purified on a column of silica gel eluted with light petroleum to give the desired product (0.59 g, 81%). The structure was confirmed by ¹H NMR and MS.

5. Preparation Of α-Bromo Boronic Esters (Cf. Scheme 6)

All the reactions involving boron used purified anhydrous reagents.

Reactions were carried out under argon or nitrogen used directly from the cylinder through a glass line.

In a 250 ml reaction flask fitted with a reflux condenser was placed 1-bromo-1-propene (3.63 g, 30 mmol).

Dibromo borane-methyl sulfide complex in dichloromethane (60 ml, 60 mmol) was then added to the reaction flask dropwise and the mixture was refluxed under nitrogen for 5 h.

The solvent was removed and the reaction mixture washed with water and dried (MgSO₄).

A dry round-bottomed flask (100 ml) was charged with the bromo boronic acid (0.5 g, 3 mmol) and pinanediol (0.52 g, 3 mmol) a magnetic follower and dry ether (20 ml), fitted with a septum and flashed with nitrogen.

The reaction mixture was left stirring for two hours until the solid dissolved, the organic phase was washed with water (10 ml), separated, dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The crude product was purified on a column of silica gel (230-400 mesh), eluted with chloroform (the product was eluted before the pale red ring. The first fraction (100 ml) was collected and the solvent evaporated to give α-bromo boronic ester (0.8 g, 88.6%) as a colourless liquid.

6. Synthesis of Isosteric Ketomethylene Inhibitors (Cf. Scheme 2)

(a) Boc-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-GlyOMe (modified Darkin-West reaction)

Boc-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-OH (0.126 g, 0.15 mmol) was added to monomethylsuccinyl anhydride (0.259 g, 1.0 mmol). Et₃N (0.042 ml, 0.30 mmol), DMAP (1.8 mg, 0.015 mmol) and pyridine (0.12 ml) were added, the reaction flask was fitted with a reflux condenser, and the reaction was heated at 45-50° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h, then NaHCO₃ (5%, 5 ml) was added and the stirring was continued for an aditional 30 min. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate and washed with AcOH (0.1N) and brine. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to dryness to give an oily residue which was chromatographed on silica gel (grade 9385, 50 g). Elution with CHCl₃:CH₃OH,98:2 gave the product after removal of the solvent as a brown oil (0.134 g, 98%). The structure was confirmed as Boc-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-GlyOMe by ¹H NMR (250 MHz), and by FAB mass spectrometry.

(b) Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-Gly-pip

A solution of Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-Gly-OMe (0.1 g, 0.1 mmol) in MeOH (10 ml) was cooled to 0° C. and NaOH (1N, 0.22 ml, 0.22 mmol) was added with stirring for 2.5 h at room temperature. The solution was neutralized to pH7 and the MeOH was removed under reduced pressure. The aqueous solution was acidified (pH2) and extracted by ethyl acetate and dried (Na₂SO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give an oil. To a solution of the oil and HOSu (12 mg, 0.1 mmol) in dimethoxy ethane (20 ml) was added DCC (21 mg, 0.1 mmol), with cooling. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 20 h, and piperidine (17 mg, 0.2 mmol) was added to the solution with cooling and the solution was stirred at room temperature for a further 3 h. The solution was concentrated to dryness and the product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (MeOH:CHCl₃, 92:2) to give Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-Gly-pip (78 mg, 81%). The structure of the product was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FAB mass spectrometry.

In a separate experiment the L-isomer, Z-L-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-Gly-pip, was synthesized by the above procedure in 55% yield.

(c) H-D-Dpa-Pro-Arg-k-Gly-pip.2TFA

Z-D-Dpa-Pro-ArgMtr-k-Gly-pip (52 mg, 0.053 mmol) was dissolved in 0.9 ml of TFA and 0.1 ml of thioanisole at room temperature. After stirring for 4 h, TFA was removed at reduced pressure and the residue was triturated with ether. The crystals were collected and washed with ether (51 mg of Mtr deprotected product). The crystals were then dissolved in 5 ml of methanol and 21 mg of 10% Pd/C was added. After 20 h, hydrogenation at room temperature the catalyst was removed by filtration and the solvent evaporated. The residue was triturated with ether to give white crystals. 34 mg (75%), m.p. 146-151 (dec.). HPLC showed two equally big peaks, from the two forms containing D and l Arg. The structure was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FAB mass spectrometry.

In a separate experiment the L-isomer of Z-Dpa-Pro-Arg(Mtr)-k-Gly-pip was deprotected to give H-L-Dpa-Pro-Arg-k-Gly-pip.2TFA in 43% yield.

7. Synthesis of Peptide Aldehydes (Cf. Scheme 8)

(a) Z(NO₂)Arg NCH₃(OCH₃)

N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.45 g, 14.9 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml of DMF, and the solution kept at 0° C. Diisopropylethylamine (1.92 g, 14.9 mmol) was first added and then Z-(NO₂)Arg in 10 ml of DMF, HOBT (1.92 g, 14.2 mmol) and WSC.HCL (2.99 g, 15.6 mmol). After 5 h reaction at 0° C. the solution was left at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed at reduced pressure and 100 ml of EtOAc and 25 ml of H₂O were added. The organic phase was diluted with ether and washed with Na₂CO₃ (0.5M), H₂O, H₂SO₄ (0.1M) and H₂O, then dried and the solvents removed giving 3.66 g of product. The water solutions were combined, extracted and treated in the same way as above giving further 1.69 g. Totally 5.35 g (95%) which was chromatographed on Sephadex LH-20 with 95% ethanol. Yield 4.60 g (82%) of homogenous product (TLC in S₁ and S₂). NMR confirmed the structure.

(b) Arg(NO₂)—NCH₃(OCH₃)·HBr

The above compound was deprotected in HBr/HOAc at room temperature for 45 min in the usual manner. The product was homogeneous according to TLC in S₃, S₄ and S₅.

(c) Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg(NO₂)—NCH₃(OCH₃)

Arg(NO₂)—NCH₃(OCH₃)·HBr (4.9 g, 13 mmol) was dissolved in DMF, the solution cooled to −5° C. and Et₃N added to alkaline reaction. Boc-DL-Dpa-Pro OH (5.5 g, 12.5 mmol), HOBT (1.7 g, 12.5 mmol) and WSC (2.8 g, 14.5 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture stirred for 2 h. at −5° C. and then stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated at reduced pressure, EtOAc and H₂O were added, the organic phase separated and extracted with 0.5M NaHCO₃ (3×30 ml), NaCl solution (4×20 ml), dried (NaSO₄) and the solvent removed. Yield 8.3 g (97%) TLC (S₂) shows one spot. The expressed structure of the compound was confirmed with NMR.

(d) Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg-NCH₃(OCH₃)·HCl

The above compound (2.33 g, 3.4 mmol) was dissolved in 240 ml of MeOH and 3.6 ml HCl (1M). The catalyst, 10% Pd/C (0.6 g) was added and hydrogenation performed at room temperature for 20 h. The catalyst was filtered and the solvent removed at reduced pressure. Remaining 2.3 g solid contained some starting material which was removed by ion exchange chromatography on Sephadex QAE ⁺ Cl ⁻ with 50% EtOH. Yield 1.74 g (76%). TLC (S₂ and S₃) showed a single spot.

(e) Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg-H·HCl

The above compound (0.5 g, 0.74 mmol) was dissolved in 40 ml of dried (molecular sieve, 4A) THF and the solution was cooled to −40° C. and 3.2 ml of DIBAH (1M toluene solution, 3.2 mmol) was added dropwise during stirring in argon atmosphere. After 3 h, 12.8 ml of 0.25M citric acid was added. The aluminium salts were centrifuged and washed several times with THF/H₂O (4:1). From the combined liquid phases THF was removed at reduced pressure and the product extracted with EtOAc. The solvent was removed, the product dissolved in 15 ml of 20% HOAc and chromatographed on Sephadex G15 with 20% HOAc as eluent. Yield 172 mg (38%). The compound shows a double spot in TLC (S₂ and S₃) probably showing the two isomeres with D- and L-Dpa, respectively. NMR and MS were in agreement with the expected structure.

8. Synthesis of Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-ArgCN·HCl

(a) Z-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg-NH₂·HCL

Arg-NH₂·2HCl and Boc-D,L-Dpa-ProOH were coupled in the normal way with HOBT and DCC in DMF. Yield 53%.

(b) Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-ArgCN·HCl

The above tripeptide amide (0.50 g, 0.79 mmol) and tosylchloride (0.50 g, 2.55 mmol) were dissolved in 2 ml of pyridine at room temperature and stirred for 24 h. The pyridine was evaporated at reduced pressure, 5 ml of pyridine and 0.5 ml of water were then added and stirring continued for 2 h. After evaporation at reduced pressure the residue was triturated with a small amount of water, dissolved in EtOAc, dried (Na₂SO₄) and chromatographed on Sephadex QAE{circle around (+)}Cl{circle around (−)}. The fractions containing the product were evaporated, dissolved in 10% HOAc and freeze dried. Yield:0.33 g (68%). [α]D^(22°)=−144° (C=0.5, 50% HOAc). The structure was confirmed with ¹H NMR and mass spectroscopy.

9. Synthesis of Dba

(a) Preparation of N-formyl-N,α,β-tribenzylalanine cyclohexylamide

Bz1-NH₂ 288 μl (2.64 mmol) and benzyl phenethylketone 592 mg (2.64 mmol) were dissolved in MeOH (5 ml) at rt and the solution was stirred overnight. To the mixture were added formic acid 99.6 μl (2.64 mmol) and cyclohexylisocyanide 298 μl (2.4 mmol) at rt, which was allowed to react at rt for 2 weeks. Insoluble material in MeOH was collected by filtration and washed with MeOH, ether and then n-hexane. The crude product was recrystallized from CHCl₃ with the 2 to 1 mixture of ether and n-hexane. Yield 540 mg (48.2%), NMR in CDCl₃; δ=0.8-1.8 cyclohexyl (11H), δ=2.1-4.75 CH₂ (8H), δ=5.45-5.55 NH (1H), δ=7.0-7.4 phenyl (15H), δ=8.25 (main) and 8.4 (minor) formyl (1H).

(b) Preparation of Bzl-Dba

The fully protected Dba 400 mg (0.85 mmol) was dissolved in 2.5 ml of TFA and 3 ml of 11 N HCl and the solution was kept at 145° C. with water-cooled condenser and stirred for 20 h. After removal of TFA, the pH of the solution was adjusted around 7 by addition of 10 N NaOH. Further addition of ether gave a powder which was collected and washed with ether. Yield 124 mg (40.4%).

10. Synthesis of Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl-H

(a) Pgl

Pentylglycine was obtained by the Strecker* synthesis, using hexanal, in a yield of 31.6% (*Vogel, Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry).

(b) Z-Pgl

To a solution of pentylglycine (0.5 g, 3.5 mmol) in a mixture of water (4 ml) and THF (4 ml) to give a 0.5M solution, in the presence of triethylamine (0.64 ml, 1.22 eq.) was added Z-OSu (0.963 g, 3.86 mmol.) at room temperature, solution became clear after 15 min. TLC after 2 h indicated some starting material and so a further portion of triethylamine (0.2 ml) and Z-OSu (200 mg) was added. TLC after a further 2 h indicated no starting material and so the solution was poured onto water (50 ml) and was extracted by CHCl₃(50 ml). The organic phase was washed by HCl (1M, 20 ml) and dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give Z-Pgl (1.18 g) as a gummy solid, which was recrystallized (DCM/Petroleum ether bp60-80° C.) to a white crystalline solid (0.8 g). Structure was confirmed by ¹H Nmr.

(c) Z-Pgl-NMe(OMe)

To a solution of hydroxylamine (184 mg, 1.05 eq.) was added DIPEA (0.33 ml, 1.05 eq.), and after 5 min a solution of Z-Pgl (0.5 g, 1.8 mmol) then HOBT (0.242 mg, 1 eq.). The solution was cooled to −15° C. and a solution of WSCI·HCl (0.378 mg, 1.1 eq.) was added. The solution was maintained at −15° C. for 30 min. then allowed to warm to room temperature and pH adjusted to ˜pH4 by addition of acetic acid. TLC after 16 h shows little starting material and so the solution was poured onto NaHCO₃ (100 ml) and extracted by Et₂O (50 ml). The Et₂O phase was washed by NaCl (20 ml). The aqueous phase was washed by Et₂O, the organic phases were combined and then concentrated to give Z-PglNMe (OMe) (324 mg). Structure confirmed by ¹H Nmr and mass spec.

(d) PglNMe(OMe)

To a solution of Z-PglNMe(OMe) (324 mg) in MeOH (10 ml) was applied a vacuum, then argon. Purging was repeated twice, but on the third time Pd/C (˜0.5 g) was added. Purging was repeated twice more and on the third time the vacuum was quenched by bubbling Hydrogen through the solution. AcOH (0.5 ml) was then added. After 90 min TLC indicated no starting material and so the solution was filtered (celite), washing with a large volume of MeOH, and concentrated to give PglNMe(OMe)(380 mg), as a gum. Structure was confirmed by ¹H Nmr.

(e) Z-D-PheProPglNMe(OMe)

To a solution of Z-D-PhePro (0.187 mg, 1 eq.) in DMF (2 ml) was added DIPEA (0.084 ml, 1 eq.) and PyBOP (0.25 mg, 1 eq.), with stirring under argon. After 10 min a solution of PglNMe(OMe) (0.09 mg, 0.479 mmol), in DMF (1 ml), was added. After 90 min TLC indicated no starting material and so the solution was poured onto HCl (1N, 50 ml) and extracted by Et₂O (50 ml). The Et₂O layer was washed by NaHCO₃ (50 ml, 1.2N) and NaCl (sat'd, 20 ml) and dried (MgSO₄). Repeated chromatography on silica gel (Merck 9385), eluting with CHCl₃/MeOH gave Z-D-Phe-Pro-PglNMe (OMe) (200 mg). Fab Ms shows 567 (10%, M+H), and 589 (100%, M+Na) as required, the structure was also confirmed by ¹H Nmr.

(f) Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl-H

To a solution of Z-D-PheProPglNMe(OMe) (33 mg) in THF (2 ml) at −40° C. was added Di-isobutylaluminium hydride (1N, 0.155 ml, 2.5 eq.), under argon. The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 18 h. TLC showed no starting material and so was quenched by H₂SO₄ (1N, 0.5 ml) and stirred for 10 min. The aqueous phase was then extracted by EtOAc (20 ml), the organic phase ws dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give Z-D-PheProPgl-H (31 mg). The structure was confirmed by ¹H Nmr and mass spectrum, and the compound was sent for biological testing, as compound number 33.

11. Z-L-Val-pNa

4-nitroaniline (67.5 g, 0.48 mol) was dissolved in pyridine (dried over 4A sieves,750 ml), and the solution was cooled down with ice. PCl₃ (34.3 g, 0.25 mol) was dissolved in pyridine (350 ml) and added dropwise to the nitroaniline solution. The solution was allowed to stand for 30 min. at room temperature. To the solution was added a solution of ZZVal-OH (112 g, 0.44 mol) in pyridine (250 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 week, then the pyridine was removed on a rotavapor. The residue was treated with NaHCO₃ (2%). The product crystallized and was filtered and washed with water. The product was dissolved in boiling EtOH (2000 ml, 95%) and the hot solution was filtered and left to stand overnight at room temperature. The crystals were filtered giving Z-L-Val-pNA (116.9 g, 71.6%).

12. (a) Boc-Dpa

Boc-Dpa was obtained in an analogous manner to the procedure of Examples 1(a) and (b).

(b) Boc-Dpa-Pip-Arg-pNA (Cf. Scheme 7)

To a solution of Boc-Dpa·HCl (150 mg, 0.396 mmol) in DMF(5 ml) was added TBTU (133.5 mg, 0.416 mmol, 1.05 eq.) and DIPEA (0.069 ml, 0.396 mmol, 1 eq.), to give a solution of basic pH. PipArgpNA·TFA (238 mg, 0.396 mmol, 1 eq.), was then added. pH of the solution was acidic so a further portion of DIPEA (0.05 ml) was added. After stirring for 16 h, TLC showed a little starting material and so a further portion of DIPEA was added (0.034 ml, 0.5 eq.). TLC after a further 3 h showed no starting material and so the solution was poured onto EtOAc (50 ml) and washed by HCl(0.5N, 200 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give 430 mg of gum. Trituration with Et₂ and petroleum ether (b.p.60-80° C.), over 5 minutes, gave a powder which was filtered, avoiding drying in the air, to give a BocDpaPipArgpNA·TFA as a powder, 207 mg, 62% yield, Rf 20 min on Rp HPLC (pep-S, 35-70% MeCN+0.1% TFA, 25 min, 1 ml/min.).

(c) Dpa-Pip-Arg-pNA

To solid BocDpaPipArgpNA (100 mg, 0.119 mmol), was added TFA (2 ml), with cooling in an ice bath for 10 min. The ice bath was then removed and the solution stirred for a further 10 min. TLC indicated no starting material, so the solution was concentrated under vacuum (oil pump). Washing with Et₂O(150 ml), until the filtrate was neutral pH, gave a powder dried under vacuum to DpaPipArgpNA·2TFA, 92 mg, (90%), as a powder, of retention time (15.5 min on Rp HPLC pep-s, 4×250 mm, 35-70% MeCN +0.1% TFA).

(d) Boc-D-Nal-Pip-Arg-pNA

To a solution of Boc- —D-Nal(150 mg, 0.474 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was added TBTU (164 mg, 0.51 mmol, 1.05 eq.) and DIPEA (0.083 ml, 0.474 mmol, 1 eq.). PipArgpNA·TFA (285 mg, 0.474 mmol, 1 eq.) was then added. After 30 min TLC, using the Sakaguchi reagent(8-hydroxyquinoline, Br₂, NaOH), indicated mainly starting material, and so DIPEA (0.083 ml, 1 eq.) was added. After 30 min. TLC indicated mainly starting material and so the reaction was diluted by EtOAc (50 ml) and washed by HCl (0.5N, 100 ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), and concentrated to give an oil (490 mg). Recrystallisation from CHCl₃/petroleum ether bp 60-80° C./Et₂O gave 90 mg, 20.1% yield, of Boc-Dpa-PipArgpNA·TFA as a powder.

(e) H-D-NalPipArgpNA·2TFA

To solid Boc- —D-NalPipArgpNA·TFA (50 mg, 0.055 mmol), cooled in an ice bath, was added TFA (2 ml), with stirring. After 10 min the ice bath was removed, TLC after 30 min still showed some starting material and so solution was stirred for a further 10 min, then concentrated (oil pump). Trituration with Et₂O have a powder. The powder was washed with Et₂O, until the eluant was neutral, dried overnight at room temperature to give H-D-NalPipArgpNA as a powder, 42 mg, 92% yield. Retention time 11.5 min on Rp HPLC.

Example 13

The following compounds were prepared by the route substantially as outlined in Examples 2a to 2e:

Physical data to Yield confirm structure 15 Boc-D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 96% Nmr, Ms. 16 D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 17 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 18 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 92% Nmr, FABMs[M + H]502, m.p. 130-133. 19 Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 20 D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 35% Nmr, FABMs. 21 D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 23 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 32 H-D-Dpa-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ H, ³¹PNmr, HPLC. 40 H-D-Phe-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ HPLC. 55 H-D-Phe-Pro-Apg^(P)(OPh)2 HPLC. 56 H-D-Phe-Pro-Epg^(P)(OPh)₂ 71% 57 H-D-Phe-Pro-DPg^(P)(OPh)₂ 52% Nmr.

Example 14

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Examples 2a to 2d:

Z-D-Phe-Pro-Epg^(P)(OPh)₂ 87% Z-D-Phe-Pro-Cpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 67% Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pyg^(P)(OPh)₂ 35% Z-D-β-Nal-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 32%

Example 15

The following compound was synthesised according to Examples 2a and 2b:

MTy^(P)(OPh)₂

Example 16

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Example 2f:

D-Phe-Pro-Pyg^(P)(OPh)₂

D-Phe-Pro-Aeg^(P)(Boc)(OPh)₂

D-Phe-Pro-Npg^(P)(OPh)₂

Example 17

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Examples 6a to 6c:

4 D,L-Dpa-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 5 D-Phe-Pro-Gpa--k--Gly-Pip 81.2% Nmr, FABMs, m.p. 110-114. 6 D-Dpa-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 74.5% Nmr, FABMs, m.p. 146-151. 7 L,Dpa-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 42.7% Nmr, FABMs, m.p. 136-140. 8 D-Fgl-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 81.3% Nmr, FABMs. 9 D,L-α-Nal-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 81%   Nmr, FABMs, m.p. 123-127. 14 D,L-β-Nal-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 55%   FABMs. 54 D-β-Nal-Pro-Arg--k--Gly-Pip 41%   FABMs.

Example 18

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Example 10:

33 Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl-H 99.0% Nmr, FabMs [M + H]508, 7% 48 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl-H quanta- Nmr, FabMs tative [M + H]584, 35% 53 Boc-D-Phe-Pro-His-H 90%   Nmr, FabMs [M + H]484 Z-N-Me-Phe-Pro-Pgl-NMe(OMe)

Example 19

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Example 11:

34 H-D-β-Nal-Pip-Arg-pNA 90.6% Nmr 35 H-D,L-Dpa-Pip-Arg-pNA 81%   Nmr H-D-Phe-Pro-Phe-pNA

Example 20

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Example 4:

22 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMbg-OPin 89% Nmr 41 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroPhe-OPinac   68.6% Nmr 59 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMbg-OPin 90% Nmr

Example 21

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Example 3a:

10 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroAcet-OPinac 42% Nmr 11 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroPgl-OPinac   41.5% Nmr 39 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroMpg-OPin 43 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroOct-OPinac 77% Nmr 51 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroMpg-OPin quantitative Nmr

Example 22

The following compounds were synthesised according substantially to Examples 3a and 3b:

12 Z-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 61% Nmr, FABMs [M]780, 13%. 26 Z-D-β-Nal-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin   41.8% Nmr, FABMs [M + H]755, 10%. 36 Z-D-Fgl-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 49% Nmr, FABMs [M + H]778, 11%. 37 Ac-D-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin   8.1% Nmr, FABMs [M + H]689, 14%. 38 Z-L-Dpa-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 39% Nmr, FABMs [M + H]781, 12%. 46 Z-D-Cha-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 41% Nmr, FABMs [M + H]711, 10%.

Plasma Thrombin Time (TT)

A volume of 150 μl of citrated normal human plasma and 20 μl of buffer or sample were warmed at 37° C. for 1 min. Coagulation was started by adding 150 ul of freshly prepared bovine thrombin (5 NIHu/ml saline) and the coagulation time was recorded on a coagulometer.

A phosphate buffer, pH 7.8, containing 0.1% bovine serum albumine and 0.02% sodium azide was used. The samples were dissolved in DMSO and diluted with the buffer. When no inhibitor was used DMSO was added to the buffer to the same concentration as that used in the samples. The inhibitor concentrations were plotted against the thrombin times in a semilogarithmic graph from which the inhibitor concentration that caused a doubling (40 sec) of the thrombin time was determined.

Determination of Ki

The inhibition of human α-thrombin was determined by the inhibition of the enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of three different concentrations of the chromogenic substrate S-2238.

200 μl of sample or buffer and 50 μl of S-2238 were incubated at 37° C. for 1 min and 50 μl of human α-thrombin (0.25 NIHu/ml) was added. The initial rate of inhibited and uninhibited reactions were recorded at 405 nm. The increase in optical density was plotted according to the method of Lineweaver and Burke. The Km and apparent Km were determined and Ki was calculated using the relationship: ${Ki} = \frac{I}{\frac{{Km}\quad {app}}{Km} - 1}$

Cardiovascular Effects

Cats weighing 2-3 kg were anaesthetized with Mebumal, given as an intraperitnoeal injection. The central blood pressure and heart rate were recorded on a Grass Polygraph by means of a catheter inserted in the femoral.

Determination of km

The km of substrates with human α-thrombin were determined by measuring the absorbance at a series of dilutions of substrate. (page 753, Longman Scientific & Technical, 5th edition, 1989.)

Determination of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) for In Vitro Samples

A volume of 150 μl of citrated (3.2%) normal human plasma was incubated at 37° C. with sample (20 μl) or buffer (20 μl, control) for 1 min. To the solution was added reconstituted “AUTOMATED APTT” (available from Organon Teknika, 0.1 ml). Each solution was activated at 37° C. for 5 min.

After activation, calcium chloride (0.1 ml, 0.025M, prewarmed at 37° C.) was added and clot detection was timed using a “semiautomated coagulometer” (Nach, Schnicter und Gross).

In-Vitro Toxicity Data

Deposition of ¹¹¹indium-labelled platelets was monitored after 1 mg/kg intravenous doses, via a cannula in the marginal ear vein of New Zealand white rabbits, as outlined in G. R. May, C. M. Hero, K. D. Butler, C. P. Page, JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL METHODS, 24, pp 1-35, 1990. Peripheral blood pressure was monitored by a pressure sensor in the carotid artery.

Ex-Vivo APTT, TT

Data was obtained as for in-vitro tests, but using plasma samples obtained at 0, 1, 10, 30 and 60 minutes after dosing of 1 mg/kg, i.v. bolus injection in a marginal ear vein in New Zealand white rabbits, which were anaesthetized from a canula in the carotid artery.

PLATELET ACCUMULATION (% OF NORMAL) BLOOD PRESSURE Compound LUNG LEG Δ% of NORM 4 mg/kg iv. DOSE No. 25 ZD-PheProBoroIrgOpin FATAL PLATELET FATAL ACCUMULATION 100% ACCUMULATION 100% 100% No. 53 BocDPhePro His-H NONE NONE 0 No. 22 ZDPheProBoroMbgOPin NONE 11%, TRANSIENT 0 No. 41 ZDPheProBoroPheOPin NONE NONE 21% 1 mg/kg i.v. DOSE No. 59 ZDPheProBoroMbgOPin NONE NONE NONE No. 25 ZDPheProBoroIrgOPin 44-40%, PROLONGED 44-40% SMALL No. 20 H-D-PheProPgl^(P)(OPh)₂ NONE NONE NONE No. 53 BocDPheProHis-H NONE NONE NONE No. 6 H-D-DpaProArg kClyfip NONE NONE NONE

EX-VIVO DATA T.T. A.P.T.T. COMPOUND NO. 6. ANIMAL 1 2 1 2 TIME (MIN)  0 24.4 25.6 32.9 27.9 24 57  1 176 200 260 >200 46 78 10 55 61.4 76 57.5 32 55 30 33 36.9 62 36 34 57 60 25 27.9 49 31.5 27 42 COMPOUND NO. 11. 1 2 1 2 TIME  0 30 24.5 26 46.5 26.4  1 >300 >200 >300 UC UC 10 >300 >200 >300 UC UC 30 102 >200 >300 236.7 49 60 94 >200 >300 53.0 38.4 COMPOUND NO. 59 TIME (MIN)  0 28.9 22.5 22.4 23.5 42 59.5 43.9 58  1 111 106 171.5 168.5 111.4 111 102.9 126 10 35.9 34 37.9 38.4 48.9 53 60.5 67 30 29 30 32 31 34.9 49 59 53.9 60 28.4 28.5 27.9 28 40.4 48.4 65.5 62 ANIMAL 1 2 3 4 COMPOUND NO. 53. TIME (MIN)  0 26 27 24 24.9 32.9 24.9  1 86.9 83.5 80.9 74 41.5 41.5 27.9 30.9 10 32 32 30 29.9 39.9 29.9 26 25.9 30 24.4 25 25.9 25.4 31.4 30.4 25.4 26.1 60 24.4 23.9 22.9 22.9 28.9 27.5 25.9

IC50 Plasmin Xa Urokinase Kalhikrein Chymohyprin No Incubations Inc. no inc/inc no inc/inc no inc/inc no inc/inc no inc/inc 15 Boc-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 5.28 0.0836 16 D,L-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 5.16 0.0817 18 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ 148.0 0.751 19 Z-D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 149.0 0.0187 21 D-Phe-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OH)₂ non(137.0) 4.35 23 D-Dpa-Pro-Pgl^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.187 0.000938 32 H-D-Dpa-Pro Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 1.48 0.00235 n(187.0)/3.32 39.7/n18.7 83.0/n18.7 66.7/n18.7 n18.7/0.000149 40 H-D-Phe-Pro-Mpg^(P)(OPh)₂ 16.6 0.0118 n20.9/52.5 n20.9/n20.9 n20.9/n20.9 n20.9/n20.9 n20.9/0.00263 55 H-D-Phe-Pro-Apg^(P)(OPh)₂ 3.96 56 H-D-Phe-Pro-Epg^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.117 57 H-D-Phe-Pro-DPg^(P)(OPh)₂ 0.0828 22 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMbg-OPinac 0.007 11.5 3.86 9.13 12.9 41 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroPbg-OPinac 0.0128 37.3 7.94 6.67 16.7 50 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroMpg-OPin 0.0007 3.23 1.72 3.63 7.26  6 D-Dpa-Pro-Arg--k-Gly-Pip 0.2 n(157.0) 149.0 494.0 199.0 44 Bzl-Pros-Pro-BoroIrg-Opin 1.3 0.153 0.512 0.121 1.08 25 Z-D-Phe-Pro-BoroIrg-OPin 1.5 0.068 0.0084 0.0141 0.075 0.334 52 Boc-D-Phe-Pro-His-H n(413.0) n(413.0) n(413.0) n(413.0)

REFERENCES

1. Claeson, G., and Aurell, L. Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, 370, 79-811 (1981).

2. Bajusz, S., Barabas, E., Tolnay, {acute over (P)}. et al. Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 12, 217-221 (1978).

3. Kettner, C. and Shaw, E. Thrombosis Research 14, 969-973 (1979).

4. Szelke, M. and Jones, D. M. U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,047.

5. Kettner, C. and Shenvi, A. B. European patent appl. 293881 (1988).

6. Stüber, W., Kosina, H. and Heimburger, N. Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 31, 63-70 (1988).

7. Kaiser, B., Hauptmann, J. and Markwardt, F. Die Pharmacie 42, 119-121 (1987). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A peptide of the formula:

wherein (I) X is: H, CH₃ or an N-protecting group; (II) Y is: (1) (CH₂)_(n)—Q or

 wherein Q is H, amino, amidino, imidazole, guanidino or isothioureido and n is 1-5, (2) nitrophenyl, cyanophenyl, aminophenyl, pyridyl or the side chain of His, or (3) C₃-C₉ alkyl, C₅-C₁₀ aryl or C₅-C₁₀ alkylaryl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from hydroxy and C₁-C₄ alkoxy; (III) Z is: CN, COR₁,

 wherein (1) R₁ is H, OH, CH₂Cl, CH₂—CH₂—CO-pip, CF₂—CF₂—CO-pip, CH₂—CH(CH₃)—CO-pip, CF₂—CF(CF₃)—CO-pip, CH₂—CH₂—CO-Pro-NHEt, CF₂—CF₂—CO-Pro-NHEt or a chromophoric group, (2) R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of OH, OR₆ and NR₆R₇ wherein R₆ and R₇ are the same or different and are C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, phenyl or C₆-C₁₀ arylalkyl, or R₂ and R₃ taken together represent the residue of a diol, and (3) R₄ and R₅ are the same or different and are selected from R₂ and R₃ as recited above, Gly-pip, Ala-pip or Gly-Pro-NHEt; (IV) Aa₁ is:

 wherein: (1) Ar₁ and Ar₂ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of: phenyl, thienyl, pyridyl, naphthyl, thionaphthyl, indolyl and saturated groups corresponding to these, optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁-C₃ alkyl and C₁-C₃ alkoxy, (2) L₁ and L₂ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of CH₂, CH₂—CH₂, O—CH₂, and S—CH₂ or (3) Ar¹—L¹ or Ar²—L² taken together are H, diphenylmethyl, fluorenyl or saturated groups corresponding to these; except that when Aa₁ is phenylalanine or glycine, then Y is not: (a) (CH₂)₃—NH—C(NH₂)₂, (b) C₃-C₉ alkyl optionally substituted by C₁-C₄ alkoxy or

(c) and (V) Aa₂ is

 or its C₁-C₃ alkyl substituted derivatives, where R₈ is CH₂, CH₂—CH₂, S—CH₂, S—C(CH₃)₂ or CH₂—CH₂—CH₂.
 2. The peptide according to claim 1 which is a substrate of thrombin.
 3. The peptide according to claim 1 which is an inhibitor of thrombin.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting thrombin in a mammalian host, comprising a peptide according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 5. A peptide of claim 1 wherein Aa₂ is Pro.
 6. A peptide of claim 1 wherein Ar¹-L¹ is H.
 7. A peptide of claim 5 wherein Ar¹-L¹ is H.
 8. A peptide of claim 5 wherein Aa₁ is Phe.
 9. A peptide of claim 5 wherein Aa₁ is Dpa, Nal or Dba.
 10. A peptide of claim 6 wherein Q is amino, amidino, imidazole or isothioureido.
 11. A peptide of claim 10 wherein Y is [CH₂]_(n)-Q.
 12. A peptide of claim 6 wherein Y is nitrophenyl, cyanophenyl, aminophenyl, pyridyl or the side chain of His.
 13. A peptide of claim 1 wherein Z is B(R₂)(R₃).
 14. A peptide of claim 13 wherein Ar¹-L¹ is H.
 15. A peptide of claim 14 wherein Aa₁ is Phe.
 16. A peptide of claim 14 wherein Aa₁ is Dpa, Nal or Dba.
 17. A peptide of claim 14 wherein Q is amino, amidino, imidazole or isothioureido.
 18. A peptide of claim 17 wherein Y is [CH₂]_(n)-Q.
 19. A peptide of claim 14 wherein Y is nitrophenyl, cyanophenyl, aminophenyl, pyridyl or the side chain of His.
 20. A peptide of claim 13 wherein R₂ and R₃ are OH or R₂ and R₃ taken together represent the residue of a diol.
 21. A peptide of claim 20 wherein R₂ and R₃ taken together represent the residue of pinacol or pinanediol.
 22. A peptide of any claims 1 to 21 wherein Aa₁ is of D-configuration.
 23. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting thrombin in a mammalian host, comprising a peptide according to claim 22 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. 